Commandery Operations

Commandery Operations By COL Ret. Arthur Tulak

The Commandery met on February 4th at the Sunset Lanai, on Camp Smith. The highlight of the evening was the induction of Col Jim Atchley as our newest Companion. Witnessing the induction was Jim’s wife Lea, and daughter Sarah and her husband.

Committee updates were provided to get the current status on our important programs:

The Vietnam Commemoration Committee has been waiting for the various VSOs to resume meetings in-person to present the 50th Vietnam War Commemoration Volunteer Recognition Medals. The recent OMICRON variant reversed progress, as many of the VSOs were attempting to return to normal operations. The Commandery has offered to MGySgt USMC (Ret.), Earl Hurrey of Historic Programs to present these medals as part of the program of events set for 29 March (see page 7). The Commandery is invited to register to participate in the parade, either walking or driving, gut we need to provide our own vehicle (anyone have a convertible?). In March, we hope to get the cadet essays for our annual 50th Vietnam War Commemoration Cadet Essay Contest. The winning essay will be published in the June edition of the Commandery News.

The Cadet Awards Committee reports that all medals have been acquired for the 2022 ceremonies, but due to budget shortfalls, we are dropping the JROTC programs in Japan , as well as the Univ. of Guam Army ROTC. We are adding the Navy ROTC at UH. Our annual medal count is now 72.

Commemorations and Memorials Companions present reviewed the conduct of Veterans Day events 2021 attended by Companions at Schofield, Oahu Cemetery, the WWI Memorial, and the Oahu Cemetery Remembrance Day ceremony. Companions present committed to supporting these same events in 2022. Looking forward toward ANZAC Day, 25 April, the Commandery needs to refresh its supply of poppies to be ready for a poppy drive in May, in the week before Memorial Day.

Membership. Companion Fred Staedel brought his Cold War Victory medal, which is an authorized medal for Companions with Cold War. The full-size and miniature medals are available for purchase on the MOFW QM Store. The Commandery also has a supply of garrison caps for sale— contact Arthur Tulak to purchase.

Secretary Tulak reads the citation as Commander Manchester presents the insignia of the Order.

Commander Manchester welcomes Companion Atchley to the Commandery.